Creamy Ricotta and Chive Herb Bread
This delightful bread combines the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese with the fragrant freshness of chives, creating a savory loaf that's perfect for any occasion. Ideal for toasting or serving alongside soups and salads, this bread machine recipe is simple to follow and yields a wonderfully soft texture. The use of ricotta instead of traditional cottage cheese gives a unique twist to the flavor profile, making it a beloved addition to your homemade bread repertoire. Perfect for beginner and seasoned bakers alike, experience the joy of baking with fresh ingredients and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen!
1
Servings
220
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
3/8 cup (at room temperature)
Ricotta cheese
1 cup (at room temperature)
Egg
1 (at room temperature)
Butter
2 tablespoons (softened)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (fine sea salt)
Bread flour
3 3/4 cups (all purpose or bread flour)
Dried chives
3 tablespoons (or 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped)
Sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons (granulated)
Dry active yeast
2 1/4 teaspoons (active dry yeast)
Instructions
1
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
2
Begin by adding the water, ricotta cheese, egg, and softened butter to the bread machine pan, adhering to the manufacturer's directions.
3
Next, combine all the dry ingredients—bread flour, salt, sugar, and dried chives—in a separate bowl. Mix thoroughly to distribute evenly.
4
Make a small well in the center of the dry mixture and carefully add the dry active yeast, ensuring that it does not come into contact with the liquid ingredients.
5
Select the 'Sweet' bread setting on your machine, as this will enhance the flavor and texture of the bread.
6
Choose your preferred crust color setting if your bread machine has this option.
7
Press 'Start' and let the bread machine work its magic! Be prepared to enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Nutrition Information
5.8g
Fat
32.8g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ricotta and Chive Herb Bread?
It is a savory bread machine loaf that combines the richness of ricotta cheese with fresh chives for a soft, flavorful result.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
While traditional recipes often use cottage cheese, this specific recipe uses ricotta for a unique, creamy flavor profile.
How many calories are in a serving of this bread?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
What setting should I use on my bread machine?
You should select the 'Sweet' bread setting to enhance the flavor and texture of the loaf.
Can I use fresh chives instead of dried chives?
Yes, you can substitute the 3 tablespoons of dried chives with 1/2 cup of chopped fresh chives.
Why must ingredients be at room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients ensure optimal mixing and proper yeast activation during the bread-making process.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for bread flour, though all-purpose flour can also be used.
How much yeast is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
Is it necessary to mix the dry ingredients separately?
Yes, mixing dry ingredients in a separate bowl ensures the salt, sugar, and chives are evenly distributed before adding them to the machine.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 5.8g of fat.
What is the protein content of this bread?
This bread provides 7g of protein per serving.
Can I choose the crust color?
Yes, if your bread machine has the option, you can choose your preferred crust color setting.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 32.8g of carbohydrates.
What role does the egg play in this recipe?
The egg adds richness, helps with the bread's structure, and contributes to its soft texture.
How much ricotta cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of ricotta cheese, preferably at room temperature.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for softened butter; if you use salted butter, you may want to slightly reduce the additional salt.
Should the yeast touch the liquid ingredients?
No, you should make a well in the dry ingredients and add the yeast there to keep it away from the liquids until the cycle begins.
What kind of salt should I use?
Fine sea salt is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is a simple bread machine recipe that is perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
What are the best serving suggestions for this bread?
It is ideal for toasting or serving alongside warm soups and fresh salads.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
How much water is needed?
The recipe requires 3/8 cup of water at room temperature.
Does the bread have a strong herb aroma?
Yes, the combination of chives and ricotta creates a wonderful fragrance that fills the kitchen while baking.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use a different herb besides chives?
While chives are recommended, you could experiment with other dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different flavor.
Is there any fiber in this bread?
The specific fiber content is not listed for this recipe.
How much butter is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of softened butter.
Can I make this bread by hand?
This recipe is specifically designed for a bread machine, but the ingredients could be adapted for hand-kneading and oven-baking.
How many servings does the recipe yield?
This recipe yields 1 loaf, which is calculated as 1 serving in the provided data.
What is the primary category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Yeast Breads.